OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Intel Core i7-6850K review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£300PassMark multi-core score:11377N. of physical cores:6CPU boost clock speed:4.0 GHzCPU socket:LGA2011-3TDP (Thermal design power):140 W

Intel Core i7-6850K Review: Compare 74 technical specifications and 4 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i7-6850K
6.6/10

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
Score components

40%

5.5

Technical score

25%

7.9

Reviews score

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

5.5

Sentiment score

â–¼Worse than 53% of processors
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 51%
5.5

Technical score

Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components

60%

5.5

Performance

18%

4.6

Architecture

10%

6.9

Memory & PCIe

7%

4.2

Power & Thermal

4%

7.7

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

â–¼Worse than 54%
7.9

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 66% of models

80%

7.9

Average grade

20%

8.0

Popularity

Grades by review (4)
3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 66%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • intel-core-i7-6850k
intel-core-i7-6850k
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Intel Core i7-6850K

Based on 3 · 1

Reviewers mostly praise its overclocking headroom, but most complain that it draws a lot of power.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7-6850K

Technical score
Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components:

60%

5.5

Performance

18%

4.6

Architecture

10%

6.9

Memory & PCIe

7%

4.2

Power & Thermal

4%

7.7

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

5.5
Reviews score
7.9
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components:

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

7.3
Processor type
desktop
This processor belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 54.7% of processors and equal to that of 39.5% of processors.
CPU socket
LGA2011-3
This processor uses the LGA2011-3 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 58.1% of processors and equal to that of 0.4% of processors.
Chipset
?
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES
This processor supports MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES instruction sets, which is narrower support than 54.4% of processors and equal to that of 3.4% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
6
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 6 CPU cores, which is more than 47.7% of processors and equal to 13.4% of processors.
CPU threads
12
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 12 CPU threads, which is more than 53% of processors and equal to 14.2% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4 GHz which is lower than that of 62.1% of processors and equal to that of 4.8% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
6x 3.6 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 6x3.6 GHz which is higher than that of 68.8% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
11,377
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 11,377 in PassMark, which is lower than 50.2% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Semiconductor size
14 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 52% of processors and equal to that of 32.9% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 14 nm
This processor is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.9% of processors and equal to that of 29% of processors.
L3 cache
15 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 15 MB which is larger than that of 61.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
L2 cache
1.5 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 1.5 MB which is smaller than that of 63.7% of processors and equal to that of 4.5% of processors.
L1 cache
384 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 384 KB which is larger than that of 44% of processors and equal to that of 15.7% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
This processor supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 25.2% of processors and equal to that of 31.1% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
2,400 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 2,400 MHz, which is lower than that of 64.6% of processors and equal to 11.7% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-2400 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2400 MHz, which is lower than that of 67.7% of processors and equal to 10.9% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
?
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 59.3% of processors and equal to 22.8% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
no
This processor does not include integrated graphics. 85.4% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
N/A
Integrated GPU execution units
N/A
Integrated GPU base frequency
N/A
Integrated media encoders/decoders
N/A
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
140 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 140 W which is higher than that of 94.9% of processors and equal to that of 0.8% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
140 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 140 W which is higher than that of 95% of processors and equal to that of 0.7% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
140 W
Market range: <25 W – >150 W
This processor has a boost power of 140 W which is higher than that of 79.1% of processors and equal to that of 1.6% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
?
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 53.7% of processors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

Intel Core i7-6850K vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 24 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (40 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    40 vs 16
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 2 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    6 vs 4
  • 35.1% more L3 per core
    This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    2.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • 4 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    12 vs 8
  • 17.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    7.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 66% of models

    80%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    7.9 vs 6.7
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x3.6 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    6x3.6 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 2x more memory capacity
    This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    128 GB vs 64 GB
  • 17.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    7.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 66% of models

    80%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    7.9 vs 6.7
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 2 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    6 vs 4
  • 4 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    12 vs 8
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x3.6 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    6x3.6 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • More advanced Turbo Core
    This processor has a more advanced Turbo Core version than the average processor (3 vs 2).
    Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2
    3.0 vs 2.0
  • 35.1% more L3 per core
    This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    2.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • 24 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (40 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    40 vs 16
  • 2x more memory capacity
    This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    128 GB vs 64 GB
  • 63.8% higher memory bandwidth
    This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (76.8 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
    76.8 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 3.11x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    140 W vs 45 W
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SMAP, SMEP vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SMAP, SMEP vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • 9.1% lower boost clock
    This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    4.0 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 2.19x higher boost power
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    140 W vs 64 W
  • 18.6% lower single-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,249 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,249 vs 1,535
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 39% larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (246 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    246 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 23.6% lower sentiment score
    5.5 vs 7.2
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SMAP, SMEP vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SMAP, SMEP vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • 4 years older release date
    This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2016 vs 2020).
    May 2016
    2016 vs 2020
  • More limited crypto acceleration
    This processor offers more limited crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES vs AES, SHA).
    AES vs AES, SHA
  • 9.1% lower boost clock
    This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    4.0 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 18.6% lower single-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,249 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,249 vs 1,535
  • 6.7% weaker single-core performance
    This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,387 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    2,387 vs 2,558
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 50% less L2 per core
    This processor has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 39% larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (246 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    246 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 50% smaller L2 cache
    This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    1.5 MB vs 3 MB
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Broadwell vs Kaby Lake).
    Broadwell vs Kaby Lake
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • 25% lower memory speed
    This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,400 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    2,400 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • Lower JEDEC memory speed
    This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR4-2400 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    DDR4-2,400 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • 2 fewer memory channels
    This processor has fewer memory channels than the average processor (4 vs 2). The average processor supports 2 memory channels.
    4 vs 2
  • No integrated graphics
    This processor does not include integrated graphics, while the average processor does. 85.4% of processors include integrated graphics.
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 3.11x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    140 W vs 45 W
  • 2.19x higher boost power
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    140 W vs 64 W
  • 3.11x higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (140 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    140 W vs 45 W

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
OC3D TV
≈ estimated
31/05/2016
Comparison review · Broadwell-E lineup verdict
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-6850K is the sweet spot for most people and a strong choice for gaming with light workstation work.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.4
pcgamer.com
✓ explicit
25/08/2016
Benchmark review · Gaming and overclocking
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-6850K matches the 6800K in speed, so its 40 PCIe lanes only pay off in two-way SLI or CrossFire graphics setups.
8.0
tomshardware.com
≈ estimated
30/05/2016
Overclocking review · Power and temperatures
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-6850K is a solid chip that hits the same 4.4GHz overclock as the 6800K at lower voltage, making it the better of the two.
8.0
tomshw.it
≈ estimated
01/06/2016
Overclock test · Power and temperature
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-6850K is a solid chip that stays cool at 4.4GHz on 1.25 volts, but its gains over the 6800K are marginal.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7-6850K

  • High PCIe lane count (40 lanes), ideal for multi-GPU (SLI/Crossfire) setups and NVMe storage without bandwidth bottlenecks.
  • Strong multi-threaded performance for 2016-era workloads like video rendering, 3D modeling, and encoding.
  • Unlocked multiplier allows for relatively easy overclocking, often reaching 4.2-4.4 GHz with proper cooling.
  • Supports quad-channel DDR4 memory, providing significantly more memory bandwidth than mainstream platforms of its time.
  • Solder-based Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) helps with thermal management compared to later thermal paste applications.

What customers don't like about Intel Core i7-6850K

  • High Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 140W leads to significant heat output and high power consumption.
  • Poor value proposition at launch due to a high MSRP ($600+) for only marginal gains over the cheaper i7-6800K.
  • Single-core performance is lower than contemporary mainstream chips like the i7-6700K, making it less ideal for pure gaming.
  • Requires expensive X99 enthusiast-grade motherboards, further increasing the total system cost.
  • Currently considered an 'ancient relic' for modern builds (2025/2026), as budget modern CPUs easily outperform it in every metric.

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-6850K is a high-end desktop processor from the Broadwell-E family, featuring 6 cores, 12 threads, and a 140W TDP. It operates at a base clock of 3.6 GHz with a Max Turbo frequency of 3.8 GHz (up to 4.0 GHz with Turbo Boost Max 3.0) and includes 15 MB of L3 cache. Main pros include its 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes for multi-GPU setups, quad-channel DDR4 memory support up to 128 GB, and an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. However, cons include high power consumption, the requirement for an expensive X99 (LGA 2011-v3) motherboard, and the lack of integrated graphics.

Compare Intel Core i7-6850K with other processors

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7-6850K and other processors

No results found